FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string If Willis works with the first-string offensive line as expected, he’ll at times be matched up against Chargers interior defensive linemen Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 There was a moment Tuesday morning during walk-throughs when Barron lined up as first-string nickel. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Frank Nazar had a prime opportunity to put the Hawks back ahead less than four minutes later — he was given a penalty shot after defenseman Andreas Englund hooked him on a breakaway.

— Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Parent company Kering had acquired the building in 2023, before forming a joint venture with Ardian that gave the private equity firm a majority stake in a portfolio of prime real estate assets, including the Avenue Montaigne location.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

Mainly notable for its high-octane car chases and terrific stunt work, the film should, like most of Neeson’s recent efforts, find its biggest audiences on streaming and cable.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026
Our review praised the terrific gunplay, tense matches, and incredible graphics.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Our research and engineering remain world-class, but our record of getting ideas to market and improving how products are made has been less stellar.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The matchup features an intriguing battle on the mound between two stellar starting pitchers.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

La Dame utilizes some ingredients only seen here, such as France’s superb Normandy butter.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
His ability to capture Haymitch’s warmth and charm and then weave that into the rage and heartbreak the Hunger Games sparks is superb.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

L3Harris claims its design can deliver greater range and speed than existing systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Tarantino revealed the most personally meaningful piece of casting in a film filled with great performances — including supporting turns by multiple actors (Austin Butler, Mikey Madison, Sydney Sweeney) who have blown up in the seven years since.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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Style

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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